Former England and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli has officially agreed to join Italian Serie A side Como on a contract running until June 2026, with an option for an additional season. The move marks a significant step in Alli’s bid to reignite his once-promising career, following a difficult spell at Everton.
Dele Alli’s Move to Como: A Fresh Start in Italy
Just a month after confirming his departure from Everton, Dele Alli has secured a move to Serie A outfit Como. According to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the 28-year-old has signed a one-and-a-half-year contract with an option for an additional season, based on performance-related clauses. Como, currently sitting 16th in the Serie A standings and battling to avoid relegation, will be hoping Alli’s experience and creativity can help turn their fortunes around.
Dele Alli’s arrival at Como reunites him with head coach Cesc Fàbregas, the former Arsenal and Barcelona star who took over the managerial reins at the club. Como have been steadily building their squad with experienced players, and the addition of Alli represents another ambitious signing. Having previously been on trial with the Italian side at the end of last year, Como’s coaching staff has now deemed him fit enough to make a permanent move.
Struggles at Everton and Road to Redemption
Dele Alli’s time at Everton was marred by injuries and a lack of form, resulting in just 13 appearances without a goal during his two-year stint at Goodison Park. Initially joining from Tottenham in January 2022, he was later loaned to Turkish side Beşiktaş for the 2022-23 season, where he also struggled to make an impact. Despite Everton’s willingness to extend his contract in August 2023, talks never materialized into a new deal, and he ultimately parted ways with the club.
In a heartfelt farewell message last month, Dele Alli expressed his gratitude to Everton’s fans, staff, and teammates, acknowledging the struggles he faced in regaining match fitness. “It’s been an incredibly tough journey trying to put the final pieces together to regain match fitness, and I cannot thank the Everton staff enough for the hard work they have put into the process,” Alli wrote. “Unfortunately, things haven’t worked out as we all would have hoped, and I think it’s the right time for me to turn a new page.”
A Career Derailed by Injuries and Personal Struggles
Dele Alli was once regarded as one of England’s brightest football talents, winning back-to-back PFA Young Player of the Year awards during his early years at Tottenham Hotspur. However, his career took a downward trajectory following his move to Everton in January 2022, where he managed only 13 appearances in two-and-a-half years.
In 2023, Dele Alli opened up about his struggles with childhood trauma and revealed that he had spent six weeks in rehab to address his mental health challenges. His last competitive outing came during a loan spell at Turkish club Besiktas, where he made 13 appearances and scored two goals before returning to Everton with a hip injury. A subsequent groin injury further hampered his ability to return to action, ultimately leading to his departure from the Premier League side.
World Cup Ambitions and England Return Hopes
Despite his recent struggles, Dele Alli remains determined to return to international football, setting his sights on the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He last played for England in 2018, making his 37th and final international appearance during the Russia World Cup. However, the midfielder remains confident in his ability to reclaim a spot in Gareth Southgate’s squad.
“You know you can set reminders on your phone; I have a reminder at 11 o’clock every day that says, ‘World Cup 2026,’” Alli revealed in an April interview with Sky Sports. “That’s my aim for now. People might say, ‘he hasn’t played in a year,’ but I don’t care—I know my level.” Alli’s primary focus now is on returning to full fitness and proving his worth in Serie A, with the hope that his performances for Como will earn him a recall to the national team.
A Career at a Crossroads: Can Alli Reignite His Spark?
Once considered one of England’s most promising midfielders, Alli won back-to-back PFA Young Player of the Year awards in 2016 and 2017 and played a key role in Tottenham’s run to the 2019 Champions League final. However, injuries, inconsistent form, and off-field struggles have significantly derailed his career over the past three years.
At 28, Dele Alli still has time to revive his footballing journey, and Como’s faith in him provides an opportunity to rebuild his reputation. Playing under the guidance of Fàbregas in a league known for tactical discipline and technical quality could help him rediscover his best form. Como, currently in a relegation battle, will be counting on Alli’s creativity and attacking instincts to steer them to safety. Whether this move proves to be a turning point in his career remains to be seen, but for now, Dele Alli is set for a fresh start in Italy.
Como’s Ambitions and Alli’s Road to Redemption
Como 1907’s promotion to Serie A has set the stage for an ambitious project spearheaded by Fabregas and the club’s ownership. Alli’s signing represents a significant gamble but also a potential masterstroke if the Englishman can rediscover the form that once made him a key player for both Tottenham and the England national team.
With an 18-month contract offering him the opportunity to prove his fitness and consistency, Alli’s move to Como could serve as a fresh start in a new environment away from the intense scrutiny of English football. If he can stay injury-free and regain his confidence, his journey in Italy could reignite his career and restore his reputation as a top-class midfielder
